Sunday January 31, 2021 - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time - The people who dwelt in darkness saw a great light. On those who dwell in the land and the shadow of death, a light has risen - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 1, 21-28

Dear Christians, today is the fourth Sunday in ordinary time, inspired by the Church on the theme: "Who is Christ for us?". This is a question that must be asked every day, to determine which god we worship. It is not enough just to say out loud, nor to be satisfied with what is learned by heart; but to continue to deepen and live the life required by faith. The first practice the gospel emphasizes today is going to the synagogue on the Sabbath, as Jesus did. This is part of the Jewish liturgy, but for us Christians, the sanctification of Sunday. It is the occasion of the Sunday assembly that we meet God, that we speak to him, and meditate on his word to know his will.

Second, Jesus teaches. The crowd that listens to Jesus already has appointed preachers on a daily basis, but Saint Mark, in his Gospel, emphasizes that Jesus teaches, not like the scribes, but as a man who has authority. Besides, the coming of Jesus has no reason to exist, if what men before Him did was enough, if He does not bring anything new. Jesus focused on teaching because he wants to touch the heart of man so that he can be converted, it is in the heart of each one that he wants to work.

Then Jesus cast out the demons. Casting out demons means, the ruin of the kingdom of Satan, and that the kingdom of God begins. Satan is the opponent, the adversary of God. The Gospel qualifies him here as an evil spirit because he who is sick, whatever his illness, is unclean. Unworthy to participate in the rite, that is to say unworthy of God and therefore needs to be purified. Jesus has authority in his word and by his deeds, and the devil recognizes them as the Holy One of God. We, too, cannot remain indifferent but must decide, to oppose Jesus or to follow him, not only in word, but by work and by a way of living. May prayer and the word of God help us make the right choice. Amen.